The bill supporting same-sex marriage sailed through its first Senate reading on Tuesday and has been sent to a vetting committee, set to return to the Senate floor in July.
Earlier, the House of Representatives approved the bill advocating for gender equality on March 27.
With a voting result of 147-1 and seven abstentions, the Senate formally accepted the bill this Tuesday. The discussions were then paused for the committee review process.
While Senators have indicated support for the bill in principle, some have raised concerns regarding necessary amendments to complementing laws once the bill is enacted. Senator Piyachat Wanchaleom, part of the law, justice, and police affairs committee, suggested that additional time might be required for the amendment period, necessitating a comprehensive analysis by all involved state agencies.
Upon becoming law, Thailand is poised to become the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage.
The bill’s enforcement is expected within 120 days post-royal endorsement.
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